Bad Company entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking a career milestone for the British-American arena-rock supergroup whose songs like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy” helped define the 1970s. Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke are the only surviving original members.
Rodgers, however, announced earlier in the week that he would not attend the ceremony due to his health. In a social-media post he explained: “My hope was to be at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritise my health. I have no problem singing; it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding.”
His health struggles are well documented. Over the past year, Rodgers suffered two major strokes and eleven minor ones, which at one point left him unable to speak properly and forced him into intensive rehabilitation. In a later interview he revealed: “Well, we may well (perform). We’ll see how we go… I haven’t decided what songs to sing at this point in time.”
Despite Rodgers’ absence, Kirke accepted the induction on stage alongside guest musicians filling in for the ceremony. Kirke said: “We’re going to play, and whatever Paul chooses is fine by me. Just to play with him again is going to be a real thrill for me.”
The induction also came soon after the passing of guitarist Mick Ralphs in June 2025. Rodgers reflected on the moment he called Ralphs to share the news. “I said to him, ‘From then, it’s a long way, but it seems like we just blinked our eyes a couple of times and here we are at the Hall of Fame.’”
Rodgers also shared a personal story about his early inspiration: at age 14 he heard a record by Little Richard and described it as “a whole box of fireworks… rockets and all.” That memory helped launch a six-decade career he now celebrated at the Hall.
In the end, two themes stand out. First: relief — after decades of eligibility since 1999, Bad Company finally received the honor. “It has been a long time coming,” Kirke said. Second: fragility — Rodgers’ decision to step back underscores the reality that rock legends age, health falters, and sometimes the victory is bittersweet.
While the Hall of Fame moment marks a public celebration, for Rodgers it was deeply personal. He said, “Music was my calling — not to receive accolades — but to express myself, my thoughts and my opinions about love and life through song and hopefully send out a positive vibration…”
Bad Company’s induction may be official, but for Rodgers the story is still unfolding — one of legacy, loss and the enduring power of the voice that defined an era.
